Two years ago, he was the Stanley Cup hero for the New Jersey Devils, scoring the championship-clinching goal and notching two assists in game seven of the finals against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.

Rupp will fortify an already talented Trashers offense.

"He adds experience," Stirling said. "He played in the NHL, and he's a good spirited guy."

Wednesday's announcement came as a surprise to the players, a lot of whom held out hope until the bitter end that the NHL season could be salvaged.

All-star Trashers goalie Scott Stirling, two hours before the announcement, said that he didn't think the season would be canceled.

But Stirling still knew what the repercussions would be to calling off the season.

"It hurts the fans," Stirling said.

At the same time, however, the NHL's labor dispute may end up helping the Trashers.

Danbury has been doing well in attendance, and the Trashers' brash style of hockey, coupled with the potential draw of NHL players, may be enough to boost interest even more.

There's already plenty.

"I don't think the New York crowd is buzzing around town, but they can be," Scott Stirling said. "I've already seen Trasher shirts and things like that, so I know that there's plenty of interest. Personally, I'm thankful for the lockout. Had there been hockey this season, I would've been in the AHL, and I would've been a number two goalie at the very least. I got my opportunity to be a Trasher because of the lockout. This is a great team and a great group of guys to play for."

Entering Wednesday night's game against division-leading Adirondack, the Trashers were the not-so-proud owners of a three-game losing streak, their first in franchise history.

They've been shorthanded because of injuries and suspensions. They've also had players like Bruce Richardson, Jeff Daw and Mike Bayrack logging a lot of minutes.

"They have had lots of ice time," Scott Stirling said. "We've had four defensemen over the last two games. That's not enough. It's been taking a toll on our players."